GILGIT: Polling for the 2026 Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly General Elections is underway, drawing nationwide attention as voters decide who will form the next government in the region.
According to the Election Commission of Gilgit-Baltistan, polling began at 8:00 AM and will continue uninterrupted until 5:00 PM. A total of 963,034 registered voters are casting their ballots across 1,368 polling stations established throughout the region.
Voter and Candidate Statistics
- Male Voters: 506,097
- Female Voters: 456,937
- Total Candidates: 396
- Independent Candidates: 266
- Women Candidates: 8
Political parties and independent candidates are competing for the 24 general seats of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly. To form a government, a party or alliance must secure at least 13 seats.
Major Electoral Contests
GBA-1 (Gilgit-I):
A total of 23 candidates are in the race, with the main contest between Amjad Hussain Advocate (PPP), Muhammad Shafiquddin (PML-N), and Sultan Raees (IPP).
GBA-2 (Gilgit-II):
Considered one of the most significant battles of the election, former Chief Minister Hafiz Hafeez-ur-Rehman (PML-N) faces Jameel Ahmed (PPP) in a closely watched contest.
GBA-4 (Nagar-I):
A three-way competition is expected among candidates from PPP, IPP, and independent candidate Zulfiqar Ali.
GBA-6 (Hunza):
With over 52,000 voters, the constituency is witnessing a tough contest involving the Hunza National Alliance, a PTI-backed independent candidate, PPP, and PML-N.
GBA-8 (Skardu-II):
A key showdown is taking place between Kazim Maysam, the joint candidate of MWM and PTI, and Muhammad Ali Shah (PPP).
GBA-11 (Kharmang) and GBA-12 (Shigar):
Traditional rivals PPP and PML-N are locked in direct competition.
GBA-13 (Astore-I):
Independent candidate Shahida Khurshid, mother of former Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid, is contesting against the PML-N candidate.
GBA-18 (Diamer-IV, Tangir):
Former Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan (IPP) faces Kifayat-ur-Rehman (PML-N) in a high-profile contest.
GBA-20 (Ghizer-II):
Nazeer Ahmed (PPP) is competing against Khan Akbar Khan (IPP).
GBA-23 (Ghanche-II):
The PPP candidate faces strong competition from independent candidates Haji Anwar and Abdul Hameed.
Political analysts believe the election results will play a decisive role in shaping the future political landscape of Gilgit-Baltistan, with several closely contested constituencies expected to determine the balance of power in the new assembly.